Session 7―Training Factor
Developing training disciplines
Welcome
In 1 Samuel 17, we find the story of David and Goliath. When David stood before Saul pleading
his case to fight Goliath, he gave his training credentials. He spoke of how as a shepherd, he
would take on lions and bears that had attacked one of his beloved sheep. He had killed both the
lion and the bear and therefore he was extremely confident in his ability to take on this giant as
well. David’s training was necessary for him to be ready for the task that God had chosen him
for. In this, we see the importance of doing the little things well and making it a point to be
purposeful in our training. Let’s take a look at how we can learn to train spiritually and the
dividends it will pay in our commitment to continue to play One Way.
Goal
Being a champion is not easy. If it were easy, we’d all be champions. True champions do not
just “rise to the occasion.” In actuality, their hard work meets the opportunity to succeed. When
the competitor pays the price of practice, preparation and persistence, a champion is made. Here
we discover the disciplines that define the champion, not just success in the contest but
significance in a life of victory.
Key Scriptures
I Timothy 4:7-8; Acts 17:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Joshua 1:6-8; Psalms 119:9-11
OW2P Meeting
Warm Up
Pass out a sheet of paper with 15 very simple math problems (i.e. 6+4, 3-2, 10-5, etc.). The
worksheet is to remain face down until further instructions can be made. Be sure to include
addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Indicate that exactly one minute will be
allotted to complete the worksheet. The directions at the top of the handout should read as
follows: Sign your name on your paper. Below are 15 simple math problems. As quickly as
possible read all instructions and complete the problems below. When you are finished turn
your paper over. When you see a plus sign subtract, when you see a minus sign, add. Do the
same for division and multiplication. There should be no talking or peeking. Start timing after
you instruct everyone to turn over the paper and begin. Announce the time remaining at 40
seconds, 20 seconds and count down from 10 seconds remaining to 0. Have everyone exchange
his or her worksheet for correction. Read the answers. Some may have caught on to the details
of the instructions, most will not. Who got the most right? Who got the most wrong? How do
both feel? As the old adage goes, “When all else fails, read the instructions.”
One of the most dominating defenses in Super Bowl history was the 1985 Chicago Bears. They
won Super Bowl XX, 46-10, over the New England Patriots. When Coach Mike Ditka was
asked about their dominance, he said, “This game was won on Tuesday and Wednesday. We
had two perfect practices. Our victory was sealed.” How you perform is directly related to how
you prepare. If you are going to remain drug free, you must prepare. If you are going to fight
the good fight of faith your entire life, you must prepare. If you are going to enjoy the victorious
life of a true believer you must prepare. Begin with the instructions! Read them all! After you
receive instructions, then you act. Not until then do we close the loop in our relationship with
Christ. Receive the instructions, obey them and remain in constant communication with God by
prayer.
God’s Word, the Holy Bible, gives us all the instructions we need for developing disciplines that
win. In fact, the words H.O.L.Y. B.I.B.L.E. are an acronym that will help you remember your
Bible’s rightful place. Honor, Obey, Love, Your, Bible, It, Brings, Life, Everlasting!
Watch
Show the Week 11 video――“Training Factor”.
Workout
Mathew 10:8 says that we ought not to fear the one who can destroy the body, but rather the one
who can destroy the body and soul. Your greatest asset is the strength that no one sees. Your
inner strength deserves nurturing the most. When you have spiritual maturity you are less likely
to disappoint God. Be driven by a reverence for a Holy God rather than your fear of your top
contender. Athletes all too often concentrate on getting bigger, stronger, faster, and better.
There is no harm in improving, but our first goal should be to read and obey the instructions,
God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:6-8). In addition, we should meditate on God’s Word. Joshua 1:6-8
says these words should not leave you but you should meditate on them day and night to observe
and do what is written. Then you make your way prosperous, and then you have good success.
Workout questions
1. What did the people of Berea do as an example for today’s believers? (Acts 17:10)
2. What is the only discipline that David concluded would keep him from falling into sin?
(Psalm 119:9-11)
3. One of the shortest verses in the Bible gives us our tallest command. What discipline
strengthens our inner person most? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Wrap Up
The greatest discipline anyone can develop is learning how to get a grip on God’s Word. This
happens when we read, study, memorize, meditate and do God’s Word. You may do this in your
daily quiet time or weekly devotions. We express our response to God’s Word (our instructions)
by communicating our love to God through obedience and prayer. Master these disciplines and
you will master self-control. Satan’s greatest fear is the believer who has trained his/her ear and
heart to the heart and voice of God, the believer who is willing to do whatever Jesus says do.
Every day set aside a special time for your training time. During this time you can talk to God
and let him talk to you through the Bible. There are many effective methods that can be used for
your daily time with God. The PRESS method is the one we suggest.
PRESS METHOD…
PRAY…
Begin by thanking God for the new day, and then ask Him to help you learn from what you read.
Prepare yourself by:
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Clearing your mind and being quiet before the Lord
Asking God to settle your heart
Listening to worship music to prepare your spirit
Asking God for a teachable heart
READ…
You can read each day a proverb (there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, so you have one per day), a
psalm, and a chapter out of the New Testament or Old Testament. Another way is to begin with
one of the Gospels such as John; or one of the shorter letters such as Ephesians or James.
EXAMINE…
Ask yourself the following questions in regards to the passage:
Teaching:
Rebuking:
Correcting:
Training:
What do I need to KNOW about God, myself, and others?
What do I need to STOP doing–sins, habits, selfish patterns?
What do I need to CHANGE in my thoughts, attitudes, or actions?
What do I need to DO in obedience to God’s leading?
SUMMARIZE…
Do one of the following:
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Discover what the passage reveals about God and His character; what it says or promises
about me, and what it says or promises about others–my parents, friends, teammates, etc.
Write this in a personal journal.
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Rewrite one or two key verses in your own words.
Outline what each verse is saying.
Give each verse a one-word title that summarizes what it is saying.
SHARE…
Talk with God about what you’ve learned. Also, take time each day to share with someone what
you learned. Having a daily “Training Time” is extremely important. It is the key to developing
spiritually.
If you commit to doing these over the three months, you will have established this habit which is
a key to your spiritual development.
I will commit to establishing this daily habit.
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